In Coon Rapids, quality of life can be found in delightful places: in a neighbor's smile, along the miles of hiking and biking trails, and deep within the culture of inclusiveness that is uniquely Coon Rapids. Iowans are known for their welcoming spirit, their sense of instant community, and a willingness to help neighbors and strangers alike in times of need. This spirit is woven into the rich social fabric of the community of Coon Rapids.

Few places in Iowa offer the recreational diversity that makes Coon Rapids a Great Place to live and play. The community's compact size and miles of bicycle and hiking trails allow people to connect with each other and enjoy a variety of recreational facilities including:

The Middle Raccoon River

The Middle Raccoon River, 92 miles long, rises in northwestern Carroll County and flows generally southeastwardly through Guthrie and Dallas counties, past Carroll, Coon Rapids, Springbrook State Park, Panora, Linden, and Redfield. The three dams located along its course are the Lake Panorama dam and the Lennon Mill dam at Panora, and the Redfield dam at Redfield. The Middle Raccoon River flows into the South Raccoon River about 1 mile south of Redfield.

A 9-hole 5,900 foot par 70 golf course. The course features multiple water hazards and sand traps to challenge even the most experienced golfer. A clubhouse with great food and a bar await you at the end of your round.

The Coon Rapids-Bayard Community School District serves as the core of our community along with the community's more than 70 social clubs. Whiterock Conservancy offers lodging choices and camping; trails for hikers, mountain bikes and horses; stocked fishing ponds; and historical, agricultural and nature tours.

A culture of inclusiveness, first evident when Nikita Khrushchev visited Coon Rapids and the Garst Farm in 1959, still lives within the community. Townspeople embrace Latino seasonal workers and have welcomed them and their families, offering free Spanish classes and learn-Spanish software to local residents, and learn-English Rosetta Stone programs at the Coon Rapids Library. The result is a safe, friendly and active environment. In Coon Rapids, your neighbors watch out for you and your family. In times of need, old friends, new friends and friends you've not yet met will rally around you, offering support, and probably, a hot meal, a ride to the doctor or a soothing smile that says you're among friends.